echinodermatagroupF - Gorgonocephalus eucnemis

external image Gorgonocephalus_eucnemis.jpg

Scientific ClassificationKingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Ophiuroidea
Order: Phrynophiurida
Family: Gorgonocephalidae
Genus: Gorgonocephalus
Species: G. eucnemis

external image Gorgonocephalus_eucnemisDLC.jpg

- Largest known ophiuroids with diameter up to 50 cm

- Colors range from tan, orange-red, pink, to almost white

- Central disk is usually darker than arms

- Found in Gulf of Mexico in depths from 22 to 800 m

-Feeds on macroscopic zooplankton by spreading itself like a fan facing the current

-Arms curl around prey and slowly move it to the mouth

-Some may wait until daytime to digest prey

-Branches repeat dichotomously

Sources
http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/Echinodermata/Class%20Ophiuroidea/Gorgonocephalus_eucnemis.html
http://storiesfromoceansedge.blogspot.com/2009/05/basket-star-gorgonocephalus-eucnemis.html
http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/Echinodermata/Class%20Ophiuroidea/Gorgonocephalus_eucnemisDLC.jpg
http://www.metridium.com/akgallery/basketstar.jpg